Powder of spherical crosslinkable polyamide particles, preparation process and use with the selective laser sintering technique

ABSTRACT

The present invention relates to a powder of spherical crosslinkable polyamide particles, which is suitable for the selective laser sintering (SLS) technique, and also to a process for obtaining such a powder of spherical crosslinkable polyamide particles. The present invention also relates to the production of articles by SLS, followed by a crosslinking step, using said powder of spherical crosslinkable polyamide particles.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application is a continuation application of U.S. Ser. No.16/472,318 filed Jun. 21, 2019. U.S. Ser. No. 16/472,318 is a U.S.national stage application (under 35 U.S.C. § 371) of PCT/FR2017/053776,filed Dec. 21, 2017, which claims benefit of French Application No.1663160, filed Dec. 22, 2016, all of which are incorporated herein byreference in their entirety.

The present invention relates to a powder of spherical particles ofcrosslinkable polyamide that are suitable for the technique of selectivelaser sintering (SLS), as well as to a process for obtaining a powder ofspherical particles of crosslinkable polyamide of this type. The presentinvention also provides the production of articles from said powder ofspherical particles of crosslinkable polyamide by SLS followed by acrosslinking step.

Articles can be fabricated by means of an additive technique. Thearticle is produced layer by layer. For this purpose, by means ofupstream computer-aided design software (CAD), the three-dimensional(3D) structure of the article to be obtained is divided up into slices.The virtual 3D object to be produced is thus divided up into extremelythin two-dimensional slices. These thin slices are then produced one byone in the form of layers, by carrying out the following binary sequencerepeatedly:

-   -   depositing the material necessary for producing the desired        article while in the form of a powder to form a continuous bed        for each layer, followed by    -   agglomerating each layer and bonding the layers together locally        in accordance with a predefined pattern by supplying energy or        by spraying a liquid in fine droplets.

Thus, the article is constructed by superposing elementary layers thatare bonded together by supplying energy or by spraying fine droplets ofliquid. The localized energy may be supplied with a directed beam oflight (LED or LASER) or with a directed beam of electrons, or in factwith any source of energy that allows the energy to be focused, andenables the bed of powder to be scanned in accordance with the patternselected by CAD. The energy-material interaction then results either insintering or in fusion/solidification of the material, or in fact inphoto-polymerization or photo-crosslinking of the material, depending onthe nature of the material and on the nature of the source of energyemployed.

Of the various additive techniques that are known, selective lasersintering, known as SLS, may in particular be mentioned.

The technique of selective laser sintering (rapid prototyping) in orderto produce articles from polymer powders is known and is described inU.S. Pat. No. 6,136,948 and Application WO 96/06881.

With the SLS technique, a powder of the material intended to constitutethe article is deposited in order to form a continuous bed. A beam froma powerful laser is then applied locally in accordance with the selectedpattern and allows the powder to agglomerate in order to form the layercorresponding to the desired article, and also to bond it to thepreceding layer by sintering. Under the action of the localized supplyof energy, the grains of the powder partially fuse and weld together,providing the layer with cohesion. A fresh bed of powder is then laiddown and the procedure recommences.

Many polymers are a priori suitable for the SLS process: polyacetals,polypropylene, polyethylene, ionomers, polyamides, etc. Polyamides (inparticular PA 11 and PA 12) are currently the most widely used materialsfor the production of articles using SLS, in particular for theproduction of engineering components. The articles fabricated from PA 12powder satisfy strict requirements as regards mechanical loading(mechanical strength), and have properties that are close to those ofparts produced using the transformation techniques habitually employedin plastics processing, such as extrusion or injection molding.

Two important characteristics for a powder formed from plastics materialin order to be suitable for the SLS technique are the thermal propertiesof the plastics material and the grain size of the powder (shape andsize of particles). PA 12 has been shown to be the thermoplastic polymerthat is the most widely used for the SLS process because it has entirelysuitable thermal characteristics. PA 12 is used in the form of a powderof spherical particles in order to provide for a good flow of the powderand a high density by the deposited bed of powder.

The patent U.S. Pat. No. 6,245,281 discloses the optimalphysico-chemical properties for PA 12 powders: melting point of 185° C.to 189° C., enthalpy of fusion of 112±17 J/g, crystallization point of138° C. to 143° C. The PA 12 particles described are 50 micrometers (μm)to 150 μm in size.

Powders of spherical particles of PA 12 may be obtained bydissolution/precipitation of PA 12, as described in U.S. Pat. No.5,932,687, for example They may also be obtained directly during polymersynthesis in suspension or in solution, as described in Patentapplication WO 2006/051222. A third technique that can be used to obtainspherical particles is the extrusion process, as described in Patentapplication WO 2007/115977.

The technique that is the most accessible to the person skilled in theart for obtaining polyamide powder is mechanical milling. However, thissuffers from the disadvantage of generating non-spherical particles withan uncontrolled shape that could alter the flow and piling properties ofthe powder and that are thus not very suitable for use with the SLStechnique.

Furthermore, grafting alkoxysilane groups onto a polyamide is alreadyknown. This type of grafting is carried out in the molten phase (i.e.heating to a temperature above the fusion temperature of the polymer)and results in a grafted polymer that thus is not in the form of apowder and therefore, as a consequence, is not suitable for use with theSLS technique. Thus, patent application WO 1999/047584 describesgrafting functionalized trialkoxysilanes onto copolyamides in the moltenphase. The resulting polymers are used as a hot-melt adhesive. Patentapplication FR 2 535 729, which describes the preparation of polyamidecrosslinked by functionalized silane grafts, and U.S. Pat. No.5,804,681, which describes grafting unsaturated alkoxysilanes ontopolyamides in order to improve the thermomechanical properties, may alsobe cited.

However, any chemical modification to a polymer in the molten state, andin particular by “pendant grafting” onto the macromolecular chains, islikely to modify the crystal structure and hence the thermal propertiesof the polymer, namely its fusion temperature, crystallizationtemperature, and enthalpies.

Furthermore, examples of chemical modification of powdered polyamideparticles at the surface exist which, however, are not at all suitablefor the SLS technique.

As an example, Application EP 1 686 142 describes the process forpreparing particles of polyamide powder surface-grafted with afunctionalized grafting monomer in order to improve the compatibility ofthe polyamide with the surface coatings. The process comprises a step ofmixing polyamide particles with a grafting monomer, followed by a stepof irradiation with photons or electrons. The particles obtained arethen grafted solely at the surface and have a size that is not suitablefor the SLS technique (10 μm±2 μm in the examples).

Furthermore, Patent GB 1 565 674 describes modifying a thermoplasticpolymer powder in order to render it crosslinkable, for glass coatingapplications. The process comprises a first step of impregnating thecrosslinking agent onto the polymer, followed by a step for grafting inthe molten state.

Thus, there is a need for a powder of polyamide particles having goodflow and piling properties, as well as good thermomechanical properties,that can be used to increase the range of use for the SLS technique andavoid creep under load.

The Applicant proposes overcoming the disadvantages mentioned above byproviding a powder of polyamide particles that is suitable for the SLStechnique, in particular in terms of the size and shape of particles onand in which the crosslinking grafts are grafted. More precisely, thesolution proposed by the Applicant provides the use of a powder ofspherical particles of polyamide (I) functionalized by crosslinkingfunctions Rt rendering it crosslinkable, said crosslinking functions Rtbeing present at the surface and in the mass of said particles and saidparticles of crosslinkable polyamide (I) having a mean diameter d50 inthe range 20 μm to 100 μm.

The crosslinking offered by the powder of the invention means that thethermomechanical properties of the polymer can be improved (larger rangefor the service temperature, mechanical strength, elongation at break,thermal resistance, flexibility, and/or hot yield strength), while theshape and the size of the particles permit good flow and an optimizedpowder density that are compatible with the SLS technique.

Advantageously, the powder of spherical particles of crosslinkablepolyamide (I) displays one or more of the following features, or anycombination of at least one of the following features, or even all ofthe following features when they are not mutually exclusive:

-   -   the mean diameters d10 and d90 of said particles of        crosslinkable polyamide (I) are such that (d90-d10) is in the        range 10 μm to 80 μm, preferably 20 μm to 60 μm;    -   the polyamide is selected from PA 6, PA 6.6, PA 11 and PA 12;    -   the crosslinking functions Rt are selected from alkoxysilane,        chlorosilane, and acyloxysilane groups, and are preferably        alkoxysilane groups;    -   the crosslinking functions Rt are introduced onto a        polyamide (II) by grafting;    -   the crosslinking functions Rt are supplied by grafting, directly        onto the amine and/or carboxyl and/or amide functions of a        polyamide (II), termed reactive functions Rr, of a crosslinking        agent (III) with formula:

Rg-R1-Si(R2)_(3-a)(R3)_(a).  (III)

in which:

-   -   a=0, 1, or 2;    -   Rg is a grafting function that is capable of reacting with Rr;    -   R1 is a divalent hydrocarbon group or a covalent bond connecting        Si directly to Rg;    -   R2 is an alkoxy or acyl group or represents a halogen, the        groups R2 being identical or different when a=0 or 1;    -   R3 is an alkyl group, the groups R3 being identical or different        when a=2;    -   the grafting function Rg of the crosslinking agent (III)        comprises at least one group selected from:    -   the amino group —NH₂;    -   groups having an ethylenic unsaturation, preferably vinyl,        allyl, and methacryloyl groups;    -   epoxy groups, preferably being selected from glycidyl,        glycidoxy, and oxiranyl groups;    -   the thiol group —SH;    -   halogen atoms, preferably chlorine;    -   the isocyanate group —N═C═O; and    -   the acylurea group —CO—NH—CO—NH₂ or the alkylurea group        —R—NH—CO—NH₂ in which R is a divalent hydrocarbon group;    -   the crosslinking agent (III) is such that a=0, R1 is a divalent        hydrocarbon group, preferably a propylene group, R2 is an alkoxy        group, preferably methoxy or ethoxy, and Rg is an epoxy group,        and preferably a glycidoxy group;    -   the crosslinkable polyamide (I) has a proportion of crosslinking        functions Rt in the range 0.3% to 9% by weight, preferably 1% to        5% by weight, relative to the total weight of crosslinkable        polyamide.

The Applicant also proposes a process for the preparation of a powder ofspherical particles of crosslinkable polyamide suitable for the SLStechnique, and in particular a powder of spherical particles ofcrosslinkable polyamide as defined in the context of the invention. Theprocess for the preparation of powder of spherical particles ofcrosslinkable polyamide (1) comprises the following steps:

a) providing a powder of spherical particles of a polyamide (II), saidparticles having a mean diameter d50 in the range 20 μm to 100 μm;

b) providing a crosslinking agent (III) comprising both at least onecrosslinking function Rt and also at least one grafting function Rg thatis capable of reacting with the amine and/or carboxyl and/or amidefunctions of the polyamide (II), termed reactive functions Rr;

c) mixing the powder of spherical particles of polyamide (II) with thecrosslinking agent (III) in order to obtain a mixture (II+III);

d) heating the mixture (II+III) obtained from step c) to a temperatureT1 that is in the range from the glass transition temperature of thepolyamide (II) Tg_((II))+5° C. to the glass transition temperature ofthe polyamide (II) Tg_((II))+70° C. if Tg_((II))+70°C.≤Tcryst_((II))−35° C., or in the range from Tg_((II))+5° C. to thecrystallization temperature of the polyamide (II) Tcryst_((II))−35° C.if Tg_((II))+70° C.>Tcryst_((II))−35° C., in order to obtain a powder ofspherical particles of polyamide impregnated with crosslinking agent(IV);

e) heating the polyamide powder impregnated with crosslinking agent (IV)to a temperature T2 that is higher than T1 and lower than thecrystallization temperature Tcryst_((II)) of the polyamide (II), inorder to obtain a powder of crosslinkable polyamide (I).

Advantageously, the crosslinking functions are grafted directly ontosaid powder of polyamide particles. The process for the preparation ofthe powder of polyamide particles proposed by the Applicant first of allpermits the shape and the grain size of the powder of particles to bepreserved. The flow properties, those of flowability of the powder ofparticles and of piling, are thus preserved and controlled. Secondly,because it is carried out in the solid state, and preferably below thecrystallization temperature of the polymer, the chemical modificationdoes not modify the crystal structure of the polymer. The powder ofpolymer particles thus retains the thermal characteristics that aresuitable for the SLS process conditioned by the choice of polyamidepowder (II). Thus, the thermal profile of the particles of crosslinkablepolyamide of the invention is only slightly modified compared withnon-crosslinkable particles of that same polyamide: little variation inthe enthalpies of fusion and of crystallization (less than 10%), as wellas of fusion temperatures (onset and peak), and a slight drop in thecrystallization temperatures (offset and peak, maximum 5° C.), therebycontributing to widening the sintering window (i.e. the differencebetween the offset crystallization temperature and the onset fusiontemperature).

In particular, it is possible to carry out the process for thepreparation of the powder of spherical particles of crosslinkablepolyamide (I) by incorporating one or another of the following features,or any combination of at least two of the following features, or evenall of the following features, when they are not mutually exclusive:

-   -   the crosslinking agent (III) has the following formula:

Rg-R1-Si(R2)_(3-a)(R3)_(a)  (III)

in which:

-   -   a=0, 1, or 2;    -   Rg is a grafting function that is capable of reacting with the        reactive functions Rr of the polyamide (II);    -   R1 is a divalent hydrocarbon group or a covalent bond connecting        Si directly to Rg;    -   R2 is an alkoxy or acyl group or a halogen, the groups R2 being        identical or different when a=0 or 1;    -   R3 is an alkyl group, preferably a C1-C6 alkyl group, the groups        R3 being identical or different when a=2;    -   the mixture in step c) is produced with a proportion of        crosslinking agent (III) in the range 1% to 10% by weight,        preferably 3% to 8% by weight, and even more preferably 4% to 6%        by weight relative to the total weight of crosslinking        agent (III) and of polyamide (II);    -   the heating in step d) is carried out at a temperature T1 in the        range from Tg_((II))+10° C. to Tcryst_((II))−40° C., and even        more preferably from Tg_((II))+20° C. to Tcryst_((II))−45° C.,        if Tg_((II))+50° C.>Tcryst_((II))−35° C.;    -   the heating in step d) is carried out at a temperature T1 in the        range from Tg_((II))+10° C. to Tg_((II))+70° C., preferably from        Tg_((II))+20° C. to Tg_((II))+70° C., if Tg_((II))+70°        C.<Tcryst_((II))−35° C.;    -   the heating in step e) is carried out at a temperature T2        greater than or equal to T1+10° C. and lower than Tcryst_((II)),        preferably from T1+20° C. to Tcryst_((II))−5° C., and even more        preferably from T1+30° C. to Tcryst_((II))−10° C.

The present invention also provides a powder of spherical particles ofcrosslinkable polyamide (1) that is capable of being obtained by thepreparation process as described in the context of the invention.

The present invention also provides the use of a powder of sphericalparticles of crosslinkable polyamide (I) of the invention, for thepreparation of intermediate articles using the selective laser sinteringtechnique.

The present invention also provides a process for the preparation of anintermediate article starting from a powder of spherical particles ofpolyamide (I) of the invention using the selective laser sinteringtechnique, in particular by forming superimposed layers of elements thatare bonded together in succession. The present invention also provides aprocess for the preparation of an article comprising:

i. forming an intermediate article using the selective laser sinteringtechnique, starting from a powder of spherical particles ofcrosslinkable polyamide (I) as described in the context of theinvention; and

ii. crosslinking at least a portion of the crosslinkable functions Rt ofsaid crosslinkable polyamide (I).

The crosslinking in step ii) may be carried out by hydrolysis, and inparticular in ambient air.

Finally, the present invention provides an article formed from a powderof spherical particles of crosslinkable polyamide (I) as described inthe context of the present invention and obtained after crosslinking atleast a portion of the crosslinkable functions Rt of said crosslinkablepolyamide (I).

Powder of Spherical Particles of Crosslinkable Polyamide (I)

The present invention provides a polyamide (I) functionalized bycrosslinkable functions Rt rendering it crosslinkable.

The crosslinkable polyamide (I) of the present invention is in the formof a powder of spherical particles.

The term “spherical particle” should be understood to mean a particlethat has a sphericity index, i.e. a ratio between its largest diameterand its smallest diameter, of less than 1.2.

The particles of crosslinkable polyamide (I) of the present inventionhave a mean diameter d50 in the range 20 μm to 100 μm, preferably 35 μmto 50 μm.

In an embodiment, the particles of crosslinkable polyamide (I) of thepresent invention have a mean diameter d90 in the range 45 μm to 80 μm,preferably 50 μm to 75 μm.

In an embodiment, the particles of crosslinkable polyamide (I) have amean diameter d10 in the range 10 μm to 35 μm, preferably 15 μm to 30μm.

The term “particles having a mean diameter d10/d50/d90” as used in thecontext of the present invention should be understood to mean thediameter (of particles) for which 10%/50%/90% by volume of saidparticles has a lower diameter, as measured with the dry lasergranulometry technique, also known as laser diffraction granulometry.

Advantageously, the spherical particles of crosslinkable polyamide (I)are homogeneous in size.

The term “homogeneous in size” as used in the context of the presentinvention should be understood to mean that the size distribution of theparticles is narrow, and in particular that the mean diameters of theparticles are such that (d90-d10) is in the range 10 μm to 80 μm,preferably 20 μm to 60 μm.

In an embodiment, the crosslinkable polyamide (I) has a glass transitiontemperature Tg_((I)) in the range 30° C. to 90° C., and preferably 40°C. to 60° C.

The glass transition temperature of a material corresponds to atemperature at which the mechanical properties change, wherein thematerial changes from a glassy state (rigid solid) to a rubbery statewith a greater capacity for deformation. It characterizes the amorphousphase of a polymer. With a polymer such as a polyamide, this phenomenonis linked to the movements of segments of macromolecular chains locatedin the amorphous domains.

In the context of the present invention, the glass transitiontemperatures are measured by differential scanning calorimetry, DSC.

In an embodiment, the crosslinkable polyamide (I) has a fusiontemperature Tfus_((I)) in the range 170° C. to 220° C., preferably 175°C. to 205° C.

The fusion temperature corresponds to the temperature measured at themaximum of the peak of the thermal phenomenon corresponding to fusion(termed the Tfus peak). In the context of the present invention, thefusion temperatures are measured by differential scanning calorimetry,DSC. The “onset” value that is frequently measured corresponds to thestart of the phenomenon of fusion of the crystallites and is anextrapolated temperature corresponding to the intersection of the baseline of the peak and of the tangent to the point with the largest slopeof the first portion of the fusion peak for temperatures below themaximum temperature for the peak.

In an embodiment, the crosslinkable polyamide (I) has a crystallizationtemperature Tcryst_((I)) in the range 110° C. to 170° C., preferably145° C. to 165° C.

The crystallization temperature corresponds to the temperature measuredat the maximum of the peak of the thermal phenomenon corresponding tocrystallization (termed Tcryst peak). The crystallization temperaturemay be measured by differential scanning calorimetry, DSC. The “offset”value that is frequently measured corresponds to the end of thephenomenon of crystallization of the crystallites and is an extrapolatedtemperature corresponding to the intersection of the base line of thepeak and of the tangent to the point with the largest slope of thesecond portion of the crystallization peak for temperatures above themaximum temperature of the peak.

In an embodiment, the enthalpy of fusion of the polyamide (I) is in therange from −120 J/g to −80 J/g.

The enthalpy of fusion (ΔHfus) corresponds to the energy absorbed by thepolyamide in the form of heat when it passes from the solid state to theliquid state.

In the context of the present invention, the enthalpies of fusion aremeasured by differential scanning calorimetry, DSC, in particular duringthe first scan when the temperature is increased, as is described in theexamples below.

The polyamide may be an aliphatic or semi-aromatic, semi-crystallinepolyamide.

In an embodiment, the polyamide is an aliphatic polyamide. In thisembodiment, the polyamide is selected from PA 6 (polycaprolactam:

-   [NH—(CH₂)₅—CO]_(n)), PA 6.6 (polyhexamethylene adipamide:-   [NH—(CH₂)₆—NH—CO—(CH₂)₄—CO]_(n)), PA 6.9 (polyhexamethylene    nonanediamide:-   [NH—(CH₂)₆—NH—CO—(CH₂)₇—CO]_(n)), PA 6.10 (polyhexamethylene    sebacamide:-   [NH—(CH₂)₆—NH—CO—(CH₂)₈—CO]_(n)), PA 6.12 (polyhexamethylene-   dodecanediamide: [NH—(CH₂)₆NH—CO—(CH₂)₁₀—CO]_(n)), PA 10.10-   (polydecamethylene sebacamide: [NH(CH₂)10-NH—CO—(CH₂)₁₀—CO]_(n)), PA    10.12-   (polydecamethylene dodecanediamide    [NH(CH₂)10-NH—CO—(CH₂)₁₀—CO]_(n)), PA 11 (polyundecanamide:    [NH(CH₂)₁₀—CO]_(n)), PA 12 (polylauryl lactam:-   [NH(CH₂)₁₁—CO]_(n)).

In an embodiment, the polyamide is a semi-aromatic, semi-crystallinepolyamide. Examples of semi-aromatic, semi-crystalline polyamides thatare suitable in the context of the present invention that may be citedare PA mXD.6 (polymetaxylylene adipamide) and PA mXD.10(polymetaxylylene sebacamide). In a particular embodiment, the polyamide(I) is PA mXD.10.

In a preferred embodiment of the invention, the polyamide is analiphatic polyamide, preferably selected from PA 6, PA 6.6, PA 6.10,PA10.10, PA10.12, PA 11 and PA 12, and preferably PA 11 and PA 12.

The crosslinkable polyamide (I) of the present invention comprisescrosslinking functions Rt present at the surface and in the mass of saidpolyamide particles.

The term “groups present at the surface and in the mass of theparticles” should be understood to mean that the groups are present notonly at the surface of the particles, but also within these particles,and in particular at the core.

In an embodiment, the percentage of crosslinking functions Rt of thecrosslinkable polyamide (I) are advantageously in the range 0.3% to 9%by weight, preferably 1% to 5% by weight, relative to the total weightof crosslinkable polyamide (I).

In an embodiment, the crosslinkable polyamide (I) is crosslinkable inthe presence of water, in particular in the presence of water present inambient air, via the crosslinking functions Rt that it comprises.

In an embodiment, the crosslinking functions Rt are crosslinkable at atemperature in a range 20° C. to 100° C., preferably 50° C. to 95° C.This applies particularly with crosslinkable functions Rt selected fromalkoxysilane and chlorosilane groups.

In an embodiment, the crosslinking functions Rt are supplied bygrafting, preferably by direct grafting onto the amine and/or acidand/or amide functions of a polyamide (II), termed reactive functionsRr, of a crosslinking agent (III) with formula:

Rg-R1-Si(R2)_(3-a)(R3)_(a).  (III)

in which:

-   -   a=0, 1, or 2;    -   Rg is a grafting function that is capable of reacting with the        reactive functions Rr;    -   R1 is a divalent hydrocarbon group or a covalent bond connecting        Si directly to Rg;    -   R2 is an alkoxy or acyl group or a halogen atom, the groups R2        being identical or different when a=0 or 1;    -   R3 is an alkyl group, preferably a C1-C6 alkyl group, the groups        R3 being identical or different when a=2.

The term “amine function of a polyamide” should be understood to mean aprimary amine, i.e. a —NH₂ group. In an embodiment, the polyamidecomprises a primary amine function at the end of the polyamide chain.

The term “carboxyl function of a polyamide” or “acid function of apolyamide” as used in the context of the present invention should beunderstood to mean a carboxylic acid group, i.e. a —COOH group. In anembodiment, the polyamide comprises an acid function at the end of thepolyamide chain.

The term “amide function of a polyamide” as used in the context of thepresent invention should be understood to mean secondary amide functionsof the polyamide chains.

The term “divalent hydrocarbon group” as used in the context of thepresent invention should be understood to mean a divalent alkyl group,preferably a divalent (C1-C20) alkyl group, preferably divalent (C1-C10)alkyl, and more preferably a (C2-C5) alkyl group.

The term “alkoxy” as used in the context of the present invention shouldbe understood to mean a —O(C1-C10) alkyl group, preferably —O(C1-C6)alkyl, and more preferably —O(C1-C3) alkyl. Examples of suitable alkoxygroups in the context of the present invention that may be cited are themethoxy, ethoxy, propyloxy, iso-propyloxy, butyloxy, iso-butyloxy,sec-butyloxy, tert-butyloxy, pentyloxy, and hexyloxy groups. Preferably,an alkoxy group of the present invention is a methoxy group or an ethoxygroup.

The term “alkyl” means a linear or branched, acyclic alkyl group.Examples of suitable alkyl groups in the context of the presentinvention that may be cited are the methyl, ethyl, propyl, iso-propyl,butyl, iso-butyl, sec-butyl, tert-butyl, pentyl, iso-pentyl, sec-pentyl,neo-pentyl, hexyl, heptyl, octyl, nonyl, and decyl groups.

The term “acyl” as used in the context of the present invention shouldbe understood to mean a —C(═O)(C1-C10)alkyl group, preferably—C(═O)(C1-C6)alkyl. Examples of suitable acyl groups in the context ofthe present invention that may be cited in particular are the formyl,acetyl and propionyl groups.

The term “halogen atom” should be understood to mean an atom offluorine, chlorine, bromine, or iodine, preferably an atom of chlorine.

The crosslinking functions Rt are advantageously selected fromalkoxysilane, chlorosilane and acyloxysilane groups, preferablyalkoxysilane.

In an embodiment, the grafting function Rg of the crosslinking agent(III) comprises at least one group selected from:

-   -   the amino group —NH₂;    -   groups comprising an ethylenic unsaturation, preferably the        vinyl, allyl and methacryloyl groups;    -   epoxy groups, preferably being selected from the glycidyl,        glycidoxy, oxiranyl groups;    -   the thiol group —SH;    -   halogen atoms, preferably chlorine;    -   the isocyanate group —N═C═O; and    -   the acylurea group —CO—NH—CO—NH₂ or alkylurea group        —R—NH—CO—NH₂, in which R is a divalent hydrocarbon group.

The term “ethylenic unsaturation” should be understood to mean acarbon-carbon double bond. Examples of groups comprising one or moreethylenic unsaturations that are suitable in the context of the presentinvention that may be cited are the vinyl, allyl and methacryloylgroups.

The term “epoxy group” should be understood to mean a group comprising acyclic ether with 3 members, also known as oxacyclopropane. Examples ofepoxy groups that may in particular be cited are the glycidyl, glycidoxyand oxiranyl groups.

In an embodiment, the grafting function Rg of the crosslinking agent(III) comprises at least one group selected from epoxy groups andhalogen atoms. In one particular embodiment of the invention, Rg is anepoxy group, preferably glycidoxy. In another particular embodiment, Rgrepresents a halogen atom, preferably chlorine.

In an embodiment, the crosslinking agent (III) is such that a=0.

In an embodiment, the crosslinking agent (III) is such that a=0 or 1,and the groups R2 are all identical.

In an embodiment, the crosslinking agent (III) is such that a=2, and thegroups R3 are all identical.

Preferably, R1 is a divalent hydrocarbon group, preferably selected fromethylene, propylene and butylene groups, preferably propylene.

In an embodiment, Rg represents an epoxy group, preferably glycidoxy,and R1 represents a divalent hydrocarbon group, preferably propylene.

Preferably, all of the groups R2, preferably identical, are alkoxygroups, preferably —OMe or —OEt groups. In a particular embodiment ofthe invention, all of the groups R2 are identical and represent —OMe or—OEt.

Preferably, R3 is a methyl group.

In a particular embodiment, a=0, R1 is a divalent hydrocarbon group,preferably a propylene group, R2 is an alkoxy group, preferably methoxyor ethoxy, and Rg is an epoxy group, preferably a glycidoxy group.

In another particular embodiment of the invention, a=0, R1 is a covalentbond, R2 is an alkoxy group, preferably methoxy or ethoxy, and Rg is ahalogen atom, and preferably chlorine.

In another particular embodiment of the invention, a=1, R1 is a covalentbond, R2 is an alkoxy group, preferably methoxy or ethoxy, R3 is analkyl group, preferably methyl, and Rg is a halogen atom, and preferablychlorine.

Examples of crosslinking agents that may be suitable in the presentinvention that may be cited are glycidoxypropyl trimethoxysilane,glycidoxypropyl triethoxysilane, aminopropyl trimethoxysilane,aminopropyl triethoxysilane γ-isocyanatopropyl trimethoxysilane, vinyltrimethoxysilane, vinyl triethoxysilane, allyl trimethoxysilane, vinyltriacetoxysilane, vinyl tris-(2-methoxyethoxy)silane,chlorotrimethoxysilane, chlorotriethoxysilane,chloromethyl(methyl)diethoxysilane andchloromethyl(methyl)dimethoxysilane.

Process for Preparing a Powder of Spherical Particles of CrosslinkablePolyamide (I)

The present invention also provides a process for the preparation of apowder of spherical particles of crosslinkable polyamide (I) as definedin the context of the invention.

This preparation process comprises the following steps:

a) providing a powder of spherical particles of polyamide (II), saidparticles having a mean diameter d50 in the range 20 μm to 100 μm;

b) providing a crosslinking agent (III) comprising both at least onecrosslinking function Rt and also at least one grafting function Rg thatis capable of reacting with the amine and/or carboxyl and/or amidefunctions of the polyamide (II), termed reactive functions Rr;

c) mixing the powder of spherical particles of polyamide (II) with thecrosslinking agent (III) in order to obtain a mixture (II+III);

d) heating the mixture (II+III) obtained from step c) to a temperatureT1 that is in the range from the glass transition temperature of thepolyamide (II) Tg_((II))+5° C. to the glass transition temperature ofthe polyamide (II) Tg_((II))+70° C. or to the crystallizationtemperature of the polyamide (II) Tcryst_((II))−35° C. if Tg_((II))+70°C.>Tcryst_((II))−35° C., in order to obtain a powder of sphericalparticles of polyamide impregnated with crosslinking agent (IV);

e) heating the polyamide powder impregnated with crosslinking agent (IV)to a temperature T2 that is higher than T1 and lower than thecrystallization temperature Tcryst_((II)) of the polyamide (II), inorder to obtain a powder of crosslinkable polyamide (I).

Advantageously, the preparation process may be used to obtain a powderof spherical particles of crosslinkable polyamide (I) with crosslinkablefunctions present at the surface and in the mass of the particles.

Advantageously, the powder of particles of crosslinkable polyamide (I)obtained is dry.

In an embodiment, the starting polyamide (II) has a glass transitiontemperature Tg_((II)) in the range 30° C. to 90° C., preferably 40° C.to 60° C.

In an embodiment, the starting polyamide (II) has a fusion temperatureTfus_((II)) in the range 170° C. to 220° C., preferably 175° C. to 205°C.

In an embodiment, the starting polyamide (II) has a crystallizationtemperature Tcryst_((II)) in the range 110° C. to 170° C., preferably145° C. to 165° C.

In an embodiment, the enthalpy of fusion of the polyamide (I) is in therange from −120 J/g to −80 J/g.

In an embodiment, the polyamide (II) is in the form of sphericalparticles with a mean diameter d50 in the range 20 μm to 100 μm,preferably 35 μm to 50 μm.

The polyamide (II) is aliphatic or semi-aromatic, semi-crystalline.

In an embodiment, the polyamide (II) is an aliphatic polyamide. In thisembodiment, the polyamide (II) is selected from PA 6 (polycaprolactam:

-   [NH(CH₂)₅—CO]_(n)), PA 6.6 (polyhexamethylene adipamide:-   [NH(CH₂)₆—NH—CO—(CH₂)₄—CO]_(n)), PA 6.9 (polyhexamethylene    nonanediamide:-   [NH(CH₂)₆—NH—CO—(CH₂)₇—CO]_(n)), PA 6.10 (polyhexamethylene    sebacamide:-   [NH(CH₂)₆—NH—CO—(CH₂)₈—CO]_(n)), PA6.12 (polyhexamethylene    dodecanediamide [NH—(CH₂)₆—NH—CO—(CH₂)₁₀CO]_(n)), PA 10.10-   (polydecamethylene sebacamide: [NH—(CH₂)₁₀—NH—CO—(CH₂)₁₀CO]_(n)), PA    10.12-   (polydecamethylene dodecanediamide    [NH—(CH₂)₁₀—NH—CO—(CH₂)₁₀CO]_(n)), PA 11 (polyundecanamide:    [NH—(CH₂)₁₀—CO]_(n)), and PA 12 (polylauryl lactam:-   [NH—(CH₂)₁₁CO]_(n)).

A BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES

FIG. 1 represents the IR spectra for Example 1.

FIG. 2 represents the IR spectra for Example 2.

FIG. 3 represents the IR spectra for Example 3.

FIG. 4 represents the IR spectra for Example 4.

FIG. 5 represents graphs of the variation of the elastic modulus and theloss factor or damping factor corresponding to the tangent of the lossangle delta (Tan Delta) for Examples 5 and 6 compared with that for thereference PA 12 and for the comparative example.

FIG. 6 represents graphs of the variation of the elastic modulus and theloss factor or damping factor corresponding to the tangent of the lossangle delta (Tan Delta), for Example 7 compared with that for thereference PA 11

FIG. 7 represents optical microscope images for PA12, PA11, the polymersof Examples 1 to 4 and that for the comparative example.

In an embodiment, the polyamide (II) is a semi-aromatic,semi-crystalline polyamide. Examples of suitable semi-aromatic,semi-crystalline polyamides in the context of the present invention thatmay be cited are PA mXD.6 (polymetaxylylene adipamide) and PA mXD.10(polymetaxylylene sebacamide). In one particular embodiment, thepolyamide (II) is PA mXD.10.

In a preferred embodiment of the invention, the polyamide (II) is analiphatic polyamide, preferably selected from PA 6, PA 6.6, PA 6.10,PA10.10, PA10.12, PA 11 and PA 12, and preferably PA 11 and PA 12.

In a first embodiment, the crosslinking functions Rt are introducedduring the synthesis of the polyamide (II).

In another embodiment, the crosslinking functions Rt are provided bydirect grafting onto the polyamide (II). In this regard, the polyamide(II) carries reactive functions on which a crosslinking agent reacts. Inthis embodiment, the crosslinking functions Rt are supplied by grafting,directly onto the amine and/or carboxyl and/or amide functions of thepolyamide (II), termed reactive functions Rr, of a crosslinking agent(III). In other words, the crosslinkable polyamide (I) is characterizedin that, when it is being produced, the functions Rg of the crosslinkingagents (III) react with the reactive functions Rr of the polyamide (II)to result in grafting of the crosslinkable functions Rt.

Advantageously, the crosslinking agent (III) is as defined above.

The starting polyamides (II) and the crosslinking agents (III) arecommercially available, in particular from Arkema and MomentivePerformance Materials Inc respectively.

Advantageously, in accordance with the invention, the crosslinkablepolyamide (I) differs from the starting polyamide (II) only in thepresence of crosslinkable functions.

In an embodiment, the mixture in step c) is produced with a proportionof crosslinking agent (III) in the range 1% to 10% by weight, preferably3% to 8% by weight, and even more preferably 4% to 6% by weight,relative to the total weight of crosslinking agent (III) and ofpolyamide (II).

Advantageously, the percentage of the crosslinking functions present inthe crosslinking agent (III) represents 30% to 90% by weight of thecrosslinking agent (III). Thus, when 1% to 10% by weight of crosslinkingagent (III) is used to prepare the crosslinkable polyamide (I), thisadvantageously has a percentage of crosslinking functions Rt in therange 0.3% to 9% by weight, and preferably 1% to 5% by weight, relativeto the total weight of crosslinkable polyamide (I).

Advantageously, the amount of grafting is in the range 50% to 100%,preferably 60% to 100% and even more preferably 70% to 100%. The amountof grafting here is the yield from the grafting step.

In an embodiment, the mixture in step c) is produced at a temperature inthe range 20° C. to 30° C.

In an embodiment, the mixing in step c) is carried out dry, without asolvent, in particular in a container or a sealed mixer, in an inertatmosphere or otherwise.

In an embodiment, if Tg_((II))+70° C.>Tcryst_((II))−35° C., the heatingin step d) is carried out at a temperature T1 in the range fromTg_((II))+5° C. to Tcryst_((II))−35° C., preferably from Tg_((II))+10°C. to Tcryst_((II))−40° C., and even more preferably from Tg_((II))+20°C. to Tcryst_((II))−45° C.

In an embodiment, if Tg_((II))+70° C.<Tcryst_((II))−35° C., the heatingin step d) is carried out at a temperature T1 in the range fromTg_((II))+5° C. to Tg_((II))+70° C., preferably Tg_((II))+10° C. toTg_((II))+70° C., preferably from Tg_((II))+20° C. to Tg_((II))+70° C.

In an embodiment, the heating step d) is carried out in a sealedcontainer, which may or may not be stirred, preferably in an inertatmosphere, in particular nitrogen or argon.

In an embodiment, the heating in step e) is carried out at a temperatureT2 greater than or equal to T1+10° C. and lower than Tcryst_((II)),preferably from T1+20° C. to Tcryst_((II))−5° C., and even morepreferably from T1+30° C. to Tcryst_((II))−10° C.

In general, the heating of step d) to the temperature T1 is maintainedfor a period of 1 hour (h) to 4 h and the heating of step e) to thetemperature T2 is maintained for a period of 3 h to 12 h.

In a particular embodiment of the invention, the preparation processcomprises a step f), which is subsequent to step e), for adding a flowagent, preferably selected from silicas or fumed silicas, a reinforcingfiller, preferably selected from solid or hollow glass beads, carbonfibers, wollastonite fibers or aluminas, a flame retardant, a thermalstabilizer, an antistatic agent or conductive agent, or a colorant.

Use of a Powder of Spherical Particles of Crosslinkable Polyamide (I)

Formation of an Intermediate Article with the SLS Technique

The present invention also provides the use of a powder of sphericalparticles of crosslinkable polyamide (I) as defined in the context ofthe invention for the preparation of articles, termed intermediatearticles, using the selective laser sintering technique (SLS). Thepresent invention also provides a process for the preparation ofarticles, known as intermediate articles, using the selective lasersintering technique (SLS), from a powder of spherical particles ofcrosslinkable polymer (I) of the present invention.

The three-dimensional shape of the article, termed the intermediatearticle, is then produced by the SLS technique, i.e. by formingsuperimposed layers of elements that are bonded together in successionby repeating the following steps:

a) depositing a continuous bed of powder comprising or exclusivelyconstituted by a powder of spherical particles of crosslinkablepolyamide (I) as defined in the context of the invention;

b) carrying out localized consolidation of a portion of the depositedpowder of the spherical particles of crosslinkable polyamide (I) byapplying a laser beam in accordance with a predetermined pattern foreach layer, in order to generate the layer element, and simultaneouslybonding the layer element that has been formed thereby to the precedinglayer, in a manner such as to cause the desired three-dimensional shapeof the intermediate article to grow progressively.

Advantageously, the continuous bed of powder of step a) has a constantthickness and extends as a surface above the section of the desiredintermediate article taken at the level of the layer, in order toguarantee precision at the ends of the article. The thickness of the bedof powder is advantageously in the range 40 μm to 120 μm.

The consolidation of step b) is carried out by laser treatment.

To this end, it is in particular possible to use any SLS printingmachine that is known to the person skilled in the art such as, forexample a 3D printer of the SnowWhite type from Sharebot, of theVanguard HS type 3D Systems or of the P396 type from EOS.

When a SnowWhite type printer is used, the power of the laser isadvantageously in the range 4 watts (W) to 8 W.

The movement rate of the laser is advantageously in the range 0.2 metersper second (m/s) to 2.5 m/s, preferably 0.8 m/s to 2 m/s.

The parameters of the SLS printing machine are selected in a manner suchthat the surface temperature of the bed of powder is in the sinteringrange, i.e. comprised between the offset crystallization temperature andthe onset fusion temperature, and preferably is in the range fromTcryst_((I))offset+10° C. to Tfus_((I))onset−5° C.

Advantageously, the powder of particles of crosslinkable polyamide (I)does not crosslink during the passage of the laser and the partsobtained are still thermoplastic.

Once the three-dimensional structure of the intermediate article hasbeen formed, the non-consolidated material is then eliminated.

Advantageously, the powder of particles of crosslinkable polyamide (I)employed but that has not been subjected to laser impact is notagglomerated under the action of the heat and does not undergo anymodification at all, and particularly advantageously can be used againfor the preparation of articles by SLS, and in particular at least 5times.

Formation of an Article by Crosslinking an Intermediate Article

The present invention also provides an article formed by a first stepfor selective laser sintering (SLS) of a powder of spherical particlesof crosslinkable polyamide (I) such as that defined in the context ofthe invention, followed by a step for crosslinking the crosslinkingfunctions of said crosslinkable polyamide (I).

The present invention provides the preparation of a polyamide article,comprising:

i. forming an intermediate article using the selective laser sinteringtechnique, starting from a powder of spherical particles ofcrosslinkable polyamide (I) such as that defined in the context of theinvention, and in particular in accordance with the process described inthe context of the invention;

ii. crosslinking at least a portion of the crosslinkable functions Rt ofsaid crosslinkable polyamide of the intermediate article.

In an embodiment, the crosslinking of step ii) is carried out in thepresence of water, preferably by take-up of moisture from the open airor in a controlled atmosphere, for example at 40° C. with a relativehumidity of 80%, or by immersion in water.

In a particular embodiment, the crosslinking of step ii) is carried outby immersing the intermediate article in water, preferably at atemperature in the range 20° C. to 100° C., preferably 50° C. to 95° C.,for 1 h to 24 h, preferably 6 h to 18 h and more preferably 9 h to 15 h.

In an embodiment, the amount of crosslinking is in the range 70% to100%, preferably 100%.

The “amount of crosslinking” of the present invention should beunderstood to mean the proportion of crosslinkable functions in thecrosslinkable polyamide that has been crosslinked. This proportion isexpressed as the percentage by weight relative to the initial weight ofthe crosslinking functions.

In an embodiment, the process for the preparation of a polyamide articleas mentioned above furthermore comprises a step iii), which issubsequent to step ii), for drying the article that has been formed.Preferably, this drying step is carried out at a temperature in therange 20° C. to 100° C., preferably 50° C. to 95° C., in particular for1 h to 12 h, preferably 3 h to 6 h.

The present invention is illustrated in the examples below, which aregiven purely by way of illustration without in any way limiting thescope. The examples make reference to the accompanying figures.

FIG. 1 represents the IR spectra for Example 1, with:

-   -   1: glycidoxypropyl trimethoxysilane (Silquest A 187 marketed by        Momentive Performance Materials Inc);    -   2: PA 12 (Orgasol invent smooth marketed by Arkema);    -   3: mixture of 95% of PA 12 (Orgasol invent smooth marketed by        Arkema)+5% of glycidoxypropyl trimethoxysilane (Silquest A 187        marketed by Momentive Performance Materials Inc);    -   4: PA 12 (Orgasol invent smooth marketed by Arkema) impregnated        with glycidoxypropyl trimethoxysilane (Silquest A 187 marketed        by Momentive

Performance Materials Inc) after the impregnation phase at 80° C.; and

-   -   5: PA 12 grafted with 5% of glycidoxypropyl trimethoxysilane.

FIG. 2 represents the IR spectra for Example 2, with:

-   -   1: glycidoxypropyl triethoxysilane (Silquest A1871 marketed by        Momentive Performance Materials Inc);    -   2: PA 12 (Orgasol invent smooth marketed by Arkema);    -   3: mixture of 95% PA 12 (Orgasol invent smooth marketed by        Arkema)+5% of glycidoxypropyl triethoxysilane (Silquest A1871        marketed by Momentive Performance Materials Inc); and    -   4: PA 12 grafted with 5% of glycidoxypropyl triethoxysilane.

FIG. 3 represents the IR spectra for Example 3, with:

-   -   1: glycidoxypropyl triethoxysilane (Silquest A1871 marketed by        Momentive Performance Materials Inc);    -   2: PA 12 (Orgasol invent smooth marketed by Arkema);    -   3: mixture of 92% PA 12 (Orgasol invent smooth marketed by        Arkema)+8% of glycidoxypropyl triethoxysilane (Silquest A1871        marketed by Momentive Performance Materials Inc); and    -   4: PA 12 grafted with 8% of glycidoxypropyl triethoxysilane.

FIG. 4 represents the IR spectra for Example 4, with:

-   -   1: glycidoxypropyl triethoxysilane (Silquest A1871 marketed by        Momentive Performance Materials Inc);    -   2: PA 11 (Rilsan Invent Natural marketed by Arkema);    -   3: mixture of 94% PA 11 (Rilsan Invent Natural marketed by        Arkema)+6% of glycidoxypropyl triethoxysilane (Silquest A1871        marketed by Momentive Performance Materials Inc); and    -   4: PA 11 grafted with 6% of glycidoxypropyl triethoxysilane.

FIG. 5 represents graphs of the variation of the elastic modulus and theloss factor or damping factor corresponding to the tangent of the lossangle delta (Tan Delta) for Examples 5 and 6 compared with that for thereference PA 12 and for the comparative example, with:

-   -   graph 1: Example 5;    -   graph 2: Example 6;    -   graph 3: PA 12 (Orgasol invent smooth marketed by Arkema); and    -   graph 4: comparative example.

FIG. 6 represents graphs of the variation of the elastic modulus and theloss factor or damping factor corresponding to the tangent of the lossangle delta (Tan Delta), for Example 7 compared with that for thereference PA 11, with:

-   -   graph 1: PA 11 (Rilsan Invent Natural from Arkema); and    -   graph 2: Example 7.

FIG. 7 represents optical microscope images for PA12, PA11, the polymersof Examples 1 to 4 and that for the comparative example.

EXAMPLES

Materials and Methods

DSC analysis: The differential scanning analyses (DSC) were carried outwith a DSC Q20 instrument from TA instruments. The thermal cycle appliedwas as follows: 1^(st) ramp-up from ambient temperature to 240° C. at10° C./min, temperature ramp-down 240° C. to −20° C. at 10° C./min,2^(nd) ramp-up from a temperature of −20° C. to 240° C. at 10° C./min.

Grain size and shape of particles: The grain size for powders of polymerparticles was measured by dry laser granulometry with the aid of aMalvern Instruments Mastersizer 2000 granulometer. The shape of theparticles was observed by optical microscopy with the aid of a USBmicroscope from Andonstar.

Thermoplasticity: The thermoplasticity of the polymers was validated byproducing a thin film by thermocompression with a thermoregulatedhydraulic press (40 grams (g) of powder deposited between the pressplates heated to 220° C., pressed at 10 bar with a holding period of 2minutes).

Preparation of a powder of spherical particles of crosslinkablepolyamide of the invention: 1 kilogram (k) of powder of polyamide (II)was dry mixed with the crosslinking agent (III) until a sticky paste wasobtained which did not flow. The mixture (II+III) was then introducedinto a sealed stainless steel container that was then placed in aprogrammable oven. The following thermal cycle was applied: isothermalat 80° C. for 3 h in order to carry out impregnation of the powder,followed by isothermal at 130° C. for 8 h in order to carry outgrafting.

Infrared analysis: Infrared spectroscopy was carried out in reflectionwith a Nicolet IS10 spectrometer equipped with a Smart ITR cell.

Thermogravimetric analysis (TGA): the TGA analysis was carried out underan inert atmosphere (nitrogen) by applying a temperature ramp-up of 10°C./min up to 650° C. with a TGA Q500 instrument from TA instruments.

Example 1: Preparation of a Powder of Spherical Particles ofCrosslinkable Polyamide of Type PA 12 Grafted with 5% w/w ofGlycidoxypropyl Trimethoxysilane

A PA 12 powder suitable for laser sintering (Orgasol invent smoothmarketed by Arkema) (d50=38 μm, spherical grain, fusion temperatureequal to 182° C., glass transition temperature equal to 40° C.) wasmodified according to the invention. The grafting agent wasglycidoxypropyl trimethoxysilane (Silquest A 187 marketed by MomentivePerformance Materials Inc) in a proportion of 5% w/w. A container ofcrosslinkable polyamide of the invention was prepared in accordance withthe process described in the “Materials and method” section.

Another container of powder of particles de PA 12 (Orgasol smooth inventmarketed by Arkema), impregnated with 5% w/w of glycidoxypropyltrimethoxysilane (Silquest A 187 marketed by Momentive PerformanceMaterials Inc) was also prepared in the same manner, but removed fromthe oven after the impregnation phase at 80° C. before the graftingphase.

After cooling, the powder of particles of crosslinkable polyamideobtained was dried and regained flow properties that were close to thatof the unmodified PA 12 (Orgasol invent smooth marketed by Arkema).

In order to verify grafting of the glycidoxypropyl trimethoxysilane, ananalysis by infrared spectroscopy and thermogravimetric analysis (TGA)was carried out (i) on the powder of particles of crosslinkablepolyamide and (ii) on the powder of particles of non-grafted PA 12impregnated with glycidoxypropyl trimethoxysilane.

The infrared analysis showed that the absorbance peak at 760 cm⁻¹, whichis characteristic of the epoxy function of silane, present in theinitial mixture and in the sample removed at the end of the impregnationphase (see FIG. 1, graphs 3 and 4), had disappeared after the graftingphase (see FIG. 1, graph 5). These epoxy functions were consumed by thegrafting reaction.

The absorbance peak at 1072 cm⁻¹, which is characteristic of —O—CH—bonds, was shifted to 1110 cm⁻¹ (see FIG. 1).

Regarding the powder removed at the end of the impregnation phase, thetwo peaks coincided: grafting had already commenced during theimpregnation phase. The TGA analysis provided a proportion of volatilesof 4% to 4.5%.

Regarding the powder of particles of polyamide removed at the end of thegrafting phase, the peak at 1070 cm⁻¹ had disappeared. The proportion ofvolatiles measured by TGA was less than 0.2%, which indicated thatgrafting was almost complete.

The thermal profile of the powder of particles of crosslinkablepolyamide was determined by DSC analysis. The results prove that thethermal profile of the PA 12 powder was not modified by the grafting(see Table 1).

The grain size of the powder obtained was almost unmodified (see Table 2and FIG. 7). The spherical shape of the particles was retained. Theparticle size remained homogeneous: the (d90-d10) value was 26 μm, andwas comparable to that of PA 12 (23 μm).

The thermoplasticity of the grafted PA powder was validated by producinga thin film by thermocompression with a thermoregulated hydraulic press.The film obtained was perfectly homogeneous, thereby indicating that thePA 12 powder grafted with 5% w/w of glycidoxypropyl trimethoxysilane wasstill thermoplastic.

Thus, the PA 12 particles grafted with 5% w/w of glycidoxypropyltrimethoxysilane of the invention were spherical and homogeneous in sizeand suitable for the SLS technique. The powder obtained thereby was dryand had good flow properties. In addition, the thermal profile of thepowder of spherical particles of PA 12 grafted with 5% w/w ofglycidoxypropyl trimethoxysilane of the invention had not been modifiedby the grafting and thus retained thermal properties that are suitablefor the SLS technique.

TABLE 1 Thermal characteristics measured by DSC 1^(st) heating ramp-upCooling ramp-down 2^(nd) heating ramp-up Tfus Tfus Tcryst Tcryst TfusTfus Onset peak ΔHfus Offset peak ΔHcryst Onset Peak ΔHfus Polymer (°C.) (° C.) (J/g) (° C.) (° C.) (J/g) (° C.) (° C.) (J/g) PA 12 (OrgasolInvent 174 182 −98 154 151 54.5 167 172/178 −52.8 Smooth from Arkema) PA11 (Rilsan Invent 198 202 −106.4 164 160 45.0 178 183/189 −46.0 Naturalfrom Arkema) Example 1 174 181 −86.5 151 148 48.9 170 172/178 −48Example 2 175 184 −93.5 152 148 51.8 165  −/179 −53.5 Example 3 178 183−86.5 151 148 48.9 170 172/178 −48.0 Example 4 199 205 −103.6 161 15644.6 176  −/186 −48.0 Example 5 168 179 −42.3 151 147 58.6 168 179 −51.3Example 6 169 179 −51 151 148 44.7 170  −/180 −53.0 Example 7 177 191−40.5 157 162 47.2 174 183/190 −48.0 Comparative example 168 179 −41 159152 44.6 169 179 −49

TABLE 2 Grain size of powders Grain size distribution (μm) By volume Bynumber Polymer D10 d50 D90 D90-D10 D10 d50 D90 PA 12 (Orgasol 28 38 5123 24 32 44 Invent Smooth) PA 11 (Rilsan 15 37 71 56 6 9 22 InventNatural) Example 1 26 37 52 26 22 33 44 Example 2 28 38 53 25 24 33 45Example 3 27 41 54 27 23 35 46 Example 4 16 40 74 58 8 12 24 Comparative35 71 121 86 5 10 35 example

1.-19. (canceled)
 20. A powder of spherical particles of polyamide (I)functionalized by crosslinking functions Rt rendering it crosslinkable,wherein said crosslinking functions Rt are present at the surface and inthe mass of said particles and in that said particles of crosslinkablepolyamide (I) have a mean diameter d50 in the range 20 μm to 100 μm. 21.The powder of spherical particles of crosslinkable polyamide (I)according to claim 20, wherein the mean diameters d90 and d10 of saidparticles of crosslinkable polyamide (I) are such that (d90-d10) is inthe range 10 μm to 80 μm.
 22. The powder of spherical particles ofcrosslinkable polyamide (I) according to claim 20, wherein the polyamideis an aliphatic or semi-aromatic, semi-crystalline polyamide.
 23. Thepowder of spherical particles of crosslinkable polyamide (I) accordingto claim 20, wherein the polyamide is selected from the group consistingof PA 6, PA 6.6, PA 10.10, PA 10.12, PA 11 and PA
 12. 24. The powder ofspherical particles of crosslinkable polyamide (I) according to claim20, wherein the crosslinking functions Rt are selected from the groupconsisting of alkoxysilane, chlorosilane and acyloxysilane groups. 25.The powder of spherical particles of crosslinkable polyamide (I)according to claim 20, wherein the crosslinking functions Rt areintroduced onto a polyamide (II) by grafting.
 26. The powder ofspherical particles of crosslinkable polyamide (I) according to claim25, wherein the crosslinking functions Rt are supplied by grafting,directly onto the amine and/or carboxyl and/or amide functions of thepolyamide (II), termed reactive functions Rr, of a crosslinking agent(III) with formula:Rg-R1-Si(R2)_(3-a)(R3)_(a)  (III) in which: a=0, 1, or 2; Rg is agrafting function that is capable of reacting with Rr; R1 is a divalenthydrocarbon group or a covalent bond connecting Si directly to Rg; R2 isan alkoxy or acyl group or represents a halogen, the groups R2 beingidentical or different when a=0 or 1; R3 is an alkyl group, the groupsR3 being identical or different when a=2.
 27. The powder of sphericalparticles of crosslinkable polyamide (I) according to claim 26, whereinthe grafting function Rg of the crosslinking agent (III) comprises atleast one group selected from: the amino group —NH₂; groups having anethylenic unsaturation; epoxy groups; the thiol function —SH; halogenatoms; the isocyanate group —N═C═O; and the acylurea group —CO—NH—CO—NH₂or the alkylurea group R—NH—CO—NH₂, with R representing a divalenthydrocarbon group.
 28. A powder of spherical particles of crosslinkablepolyamide (I) according to claim 26, wherein the crosslinking agent(III) is such that a=0, R1 is a divalent hydrocarbon group, R2 is analkoxy group, Rg is an epoxy group.
 29. A powder of spherical particlesof crosslinkable polyamide (I) according to claim 20, wherein thecrosslinkable polyamide (I) has a proportion of crosslinking functionsRt in the range 0.3% to 9% by weight relative to the total weight ofcrosslinkable polyamide.
 30. A process for the preparation of anintermediate article from a powder of spherical particles ofcrosslinkable polyamide (I) according to claim 20, using a selectivelaser sintering technique.
 31. A process for the preparation of anarticle, comprising: i. forming an intermediate article using aselective laser sintering technique, starting from a powder of sphericalparticles of crosslinkable polyamide (I) according to claim 20; and ii.crosslinking at least a portion of the crosslinkable functions Rt ofsaid crosslinkable polyamide (I) of the intermediate article.
 32. Theprocess according to claim 31, wherein the crosslinking is carried outby hydrolysis in ambient air.
 33. An article produced from a powder ofspherical particles of crosslinkable polyamide (I) in accordance withthe process of claim 31.